Roundtable predictions for Michigan Football vs Minnesota

The staff of GBMWolverine.com makes their prognostications on how Michigan football’s season opener will go in Minneapolis on Saturday night.

On the road, at night, and facing off against a very good team in the season opener. What could possibly go wrong for Michigan football?

In year’s past, there is no doubt in my mind that I would pick Minnesota to win this game. But this is a new season, with a new QB, in year two of the new offense. Michigan is the better team. They have more talent. I do expect Minnesota to score some points though.

Cornerback is a huge concern for Michigan and Tanner Morgan and Rashod Bateman will look to exploit that.

But Michigan’s offense is just going to be different this season. I think Michigan will establish a solid run game which will allows them to open up the offense at times and let Milton sling it.

If the snow holds off, I think Michigan’s offense will show out and the Joe Milton hype will reach new heights (if that is even possible).

Michigan 38  Minnesota 31.  Max

To begin things, both teams may come out a little bit slow until they ramp it up after they get a feel for each other. Minnesota’s offense will be tough to cool off, but their defense is another story. If Michigan’s defense can keep Tanner Morgan and company in check, then that should open up the offense to do what they plan to accomplish.

Throw in the key factors of the Gophers missing some starters and that doesn’t bode well for their outlook. Without seeing a home crowd in the stands getting behind them will just add to the mix of the outcome of this primetime event. The Wolverines seem ripe for holding onto the Little Brown Jug for another go around.

Michigan 27  Minnesota 23.  Nick Popio

Minnesota likes to grind out games and control the clock, but at the same time have explosive players in Tanner Morgan and Rashod Bateman. This game will come down to how quickly the Wolverine defense can get them off the field. If they can keep them from their long drives they will be in good shape and I think they will do just that. Michigan gets Joe Milton comfortable early on offense and we see a carryover from the end of last year. The Wolverines get a close win on the road to open the season.

 Michigan 27  Minnesota 20.   Chris Peterson

While I do worry about how Michigan will play on the road, against a ranked team under the lights, the lack of a crowd should help. I also believe to my core that Michigan is a better team. That being said, it will be closer than it needs to be.

Michigan 34  Minnesota 31.  Adam Childs 

This week is huge for both programs. For Michigan, a win would curb the narrative of the Wolverines constantly failing in “big” games on the road. For the Gophers, it would reinforce last season’s 11-2 record and cement them as a true contender for the Big Ten West crown. Previously, I have viewed this game as a shootout with both teams scoring in the mid to high to 30s. As we inch closer and closer to kickoff however, my tone has changed slightly.

I think the Wolverines will wear down the Gopher defense all game with a mix of Zach Charbonnet, Chris Evans, and Hassan Haskins with Blake Corum being a receiving threat out of the backfield as well. At the end of the day, Michigan’s surprisingly stout young offensive line will be too much for an inexperienced Minnesota front seven, and the Wolverines will take home an enormous season-opening win.

Michigan 28  Minnesota 24.  Jared Dettmer

This week is huge for both programs. For Michigan, a win would curb the narrative of the Wolverines constantly failing in “big” games on the road. For the Gophers, it would reinforce last season’s 11-2 record and cement them as a true contender for the Big Ten West crown. Previously, I have viewed this game as a shootout with both teams scoring in the mid to high to 30s. As we inch closer and closer to kickoff however, my tone has changed slightly.

I think the Wolverines will wear down the Gopher defense all game with a mix of Zach Charbonnet, Chris Evans, and Hassan Haskins with Blake Corum being a receiving threat out of the backfield as well. At the end of the day, Michigan’s surprisingly stout young offensive line will be too much for an inexperienced Minnesota front seven, and the Wolverines will take home an enormous season-opening win by a score of 28-24